Franklin Falls

We hiked Franklin Falls last week with our friends. We've never done this one and hike was easy and pretty quick. The big boys ran the whole way in about 15 minutes. When we got there the falls were beautiful and there was a freezing river to wade in and rocks to climb on.  

Jordan (and Bryce)

Playing in the creek.

Jenna and Kenzie
We decided to go across the creek to play/eat/sit so that we'd be away from the other people. The creek was so cold and it took me awhile to convince myself to cross it. It wasn't too deep, maybe a foot or so. But I kept thinking if I cross it, then I have to cross back to go home. It was worth it in the end though :)

Jordan, Phoenix, and Graham

Climbing a huge rock.

Coleman, Graham, Jenna

Graham and Eden

Some of the kids decided to climb this tall rocky hill. While on their way, Mason decided to go down the really steep side and slipped. Us moms, didn't see it happen. Jackson and Kenzie (and probably some other kids) saw him before he went on the other side of rock wall next to us. But I was watching across the river from us and everyone started to get a scared, panicked look on their faces and some people screamed. I looked up and didn't see anyone falling or almost falling, but the people other side of the creek were still looking frightened. So I asked my friends if anyone was falling. We looked around the rock wall next to us and saw Mason. Someone had got to him quickly and was helping him out of the water, but he had blood dripping down his face. Lynnea rushed over to him and asked me to grab some towels. He laid on the rocky ground with Lynnea with towels covering his head and all of him since he was freezing. A few people were helping and seemed to know what to do in situations like this and several people called 911. Luckily there is an entrance to the falls only a 5-10 minute walk from the road so they didn't need to send in a helicopter. 

The paramedics evaluated him and put a brace around his neck. You can see Wyatt, Mason's little brother, here and see how scared he was. All three of his little brothers were crying a little bit and were so scared. We were all so scared. Lynnea remained so calm though. Maybe she thought it wouldn't be too serious. He stayed conscious the entire time and was able to move.

The paramedics asked for some help from men standing around to hold the stretcher up since it only had one wheel. Then they helped carry it up the stairs out of the falls area. Then the paramedics wheeled him to the ambulance where they checked him out. We all waited pretty silently outside the ambulance until one of the paramedics said that Mason was going to be just fine. He was in a lot of pain and would need stitches, but other than that seemed good. They ended up keeping him in the hospital overnight since he wasn't keeping food down. He had signs of a concussion. But after 20 stitches and 3 staples, he was able to come home the next day. And now he is back to normal with no signs of a concussion and no pain. We're so glad he's okay! It was such a scary day.